Locking fixture

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/112,743 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,738 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,689 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,586 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/021,051 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/021,019 which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/971,965 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/947,644, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,761. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,761 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,271. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,271 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,865. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,865 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,304. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,304 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,261. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,261 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/464,008. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/464,008 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,998. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,998 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,975. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,975 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,962. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,962 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,953. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695672. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695672 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,831. All of these applications are herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Formation degradation, such as pavement milling, mining, or excavating, may be performed using impact resistant picks. These picks may be mounted to a driving mechanism in a variety of ways, some of which may be more effective in formation degradation applications than others. Thus, many efforts have been made to optimize the method of attachment to the driving mechanism.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

The carbide bolster may comprise a cavity formed in its base end and may be interlocked with the stem. The stem may be interlocked with the bolster through a threadform. The stem may be interlocked through at least one catch. The stem may be interlocked through a press fit. The stem may be formed of the same material as the bolster. The locking fixture may comprise a snap ring. The locking fixture may comprise a ring disposed around the stem. The ring may comprise at least one barb on its outer surface adapted to engage the wall of the bore. The locking fixture may comprise a threadform. The assembly may comprise a tensioning mechanism adapted to apply tension on the stem. The tensioning mechanism may comprise a shrunk material. The tensioning mechanism may comprise at least one threadform and a nut. The bolster may comprise a tapered base end. The bolster may comprise a lip adapted to accommodate the removal of the assembly from the bore.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a degradation assembly, may comprise the steps of providing the degradation assembly comprising an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster with a stem protruding from the bolster being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. The method may further comprise the step of securing the stem within the bore by inserting the stem into the bore such that a locking fixture disposed around the stem permanently locks against a wall of the bore. The method also may comprise the step of adding a metal insert into the bore prior to securing the stem within the bore. The method may also comprise the step of removing the assembly from the bore. The method may also comprise the step of inserting another degradation assembly with a shorter stem into the bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly with an enlarged view.

FIG. 2 a is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 2 b is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 9 a is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 9 b is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 9 c is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a drum.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a cone crusher.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a percussion bit.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a rotary drag bit.

FIG. 15 a is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a rotary drag bit.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly on a roller cone.

FIG. 16 a is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of a degradation assembly on a roller cone.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a method for assembling a degradation assembly.

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a method for tightening a degradation assembly.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 21 a is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 21 b is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly with an enlarged view. The degradation assembly 100 comprises an impact tip 102 attached to a carbide bolster 101. In some embodiments, the impact tip 102 may comprise a superhard material 104 attached to a cemented metal carbide substrate 103.

The super hard material 104 may comprise diamond, polycrystalline diamond with a binder concentration of 1 to 40 weight percent, cubic boron nitride, refractory metal bonded diamond, silicon bonded diamond, layered diamond, infiltrated diamond, thermally stable diamond, natural diamond, vapor deposited diamond, physically deposited diamond, diamond impregnated matrix, diamond impregnated carbide, monolithic diamond, polished diamond, course diamond, fine diamond, nonmetal catalyzed diamond, cemented metal carbide, chromium, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, or combinations thereof. The super hard material may be a polycrystalline structure with an average grain size of 10 to 100 microns. In this embodiment, the carbide bolster 101 comprises a cavity 105 into which the stem 113 is inserted. The stem 113 may be held in place using a snap ring 106 which is inserted into the cavity 105 and disposed between the stem 113 and a lip of the bolster 101. Springs 110 may be disposed around the stem 113 and be adapted to push off the anchor 111 to apply tension to the stem. An insert 109 is disposed around the stem 113 and intermediate the bolster 101 and springs 110. A threadform may connect a nut to the stem to provide a surface for the spring to load the stem. The anchor may comprise barbs 120 that engage that secure the insert 109 to a wall of the bore 122 upon insertion of the degradation assembly 100 into the bore 121. A steel ring 107 is disposed intermediate the bolster 101 and a meltable spacer 108. A tightening assembly 140 within the degradation assembly 100 is adapted to apply tension between the bolster 101 and anchor 111 through the stem 113.

The meltable spacer 108 is adapted to melt when heat is applied to the degradation assembly 100 through the carbide bolster 101. As the meltable spacer 108 melts the tension on the stem pulls the bolster closer to the anchor, effectively tightening the connection. The tightening assembly 140 pulls on the carbide bolster 101 thus securing the bolster 101 to the driving mechanism 125. The meltable space may comprise lead, bismuth, tin, cadmium, wax, plastic or combinations thereof. The meltable spacer may melt at a temperature significantly lower than the bolster and/or stem. The meltable spacer may be a ring, a shim, wedge, ball, cube, roller, arc segment, or combinations thereof. Preferably the meltable spacer comprise comprises a characteristic such that when it changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase, the phase change occurs rapidly. In some embodiments, the pull down stroke is no greater than an inch. In some embodiments, the lip through molding or the lip may be formed by grinding, or a CNC process.

The springs 110 may be Bellville springs, biased rings, coil springs, gas springs, rubber, an elastomeric material or combinations thereof. The springs may also provide the benefit of providing a variable pull down force on the bolster. Often degradation assemblies will heat up while in operation causing all of the components to thermally expand. Often the bolster will have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion that the material forming the bore wall and therefore the bore wall may want to separate from the bolster. The pull-down force of the springs will keep the bolster snug against the bore wall under the differing temperature and expansion changes.

The invention is especially well suited for applications where inserts or some kind of connection is in needed to be made in a blind hole.

FIG. 2 a shows a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the wall of the bore 122 comprises a series of stepped notches 210 adapted to fit to the increased size of the insert 109. After having used a degradation assembly 100, the used assembly is removed from the bore 121 and replaced with another assembly 100. The newly inserted assembly 100 comprises at least one barb 120 on the anchor such that upon insertion of the assembly 100, the at least one barb 120 contacts the wall of the bore 122 at a different location than the previous barb was used.

FIG. 2 b shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the wall of the bore 122 also comprises a series of stepped notches 210 adapted to fit to the increased size of the insert 109. After having used a second degradation assembly 100, the used assembly is removed from the bore 121 and replaced with another assembly 100. The newly inserted assembly 100 comprises at least one barb 120 disposed such that upon insertion of the assembly 100, the at least one barb 120 contacts the wall of the bore 122 father from the bottom of the bore 150 than the point of contact of the previous assembly.

FIG. 3 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is restricted from removal from the cavity 105 by a snap ring 106 disposed around the stem 113 and a notch 300 disposed on the larger portion of the stem 113. The snap ring 106 contacts a wall of the cavity 301 and the notch 300, thus restricting the removal of stem 113 from the cavity 105.

FIG. 4 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The stem 113 may be secured to the anchor 400 through a press fit. The anchor 400, in this embodiment, is disposed farther from the bottom of the bore 150 than the previous anchor 401. A spacer 402 is disposed intermediate the anchor 400 and the bolster 101. In other embodiments, the anchor may be secured through threads, a hydraulically activated mechanism, inserts, wedges, balls, an interlocking geometry or combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. A third assembly 100 is shown in this embodiment. Previous anchors, 501/502 are shown disposed closer to the bottom of the bore 150 than the anchor 500 used by the assembly 100 in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is secured to the anchor 111 through a threadform 112.

FIG. 7 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The anchor 111 is secured to the driving mechanism 125 through a threadform 700.

FIG. 8 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is secured to the bolster 101 through a threadform 800.

FIG. 9 a shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The degradation assembly 100 may be press fit into the bore 121. The meltable spacer 108 is disposed intermediate the bolster 101 and the insert 109. The meltable spacer 108 may cause the bolster 101 to sit slightly elevated out of the bore 121 leaving a gap 901 intermediate the bolster 101 and the driving mechanism 125.

FIG. 9 b shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In the absence of a solid meltable spacer (shown in FIG. 9 a), the tightening assembly 140 pulls the bolster 101 towards into the bore 150 and seats the bolster 101 against a tapered surface of the driving mechanism 125. The meltable spacer may flow into the gap between the stem and the insert.

FIG. 9 c discloses an embodiment of the bolster being removed from the bore. A puller 5002 comprises a first portion 5000 that braces against the driving mechanism and a second portion 5001 that attaches to the bolster 101 and pulls on the bolster 101. This movement breaks the stem 113 and allows the bolster 101 to be recycled while leaving the anchor in place. The stem 113 and insert 109 may then be removed more easily. In other embodiments another bolster may be inserted into the bore being tensioned off of another anchor which is located above the previous anchor.

FIG. 10 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. The stem 113 may comprise a radial protrusion 1000 adapted to interlock with a recess 1001 disposed in the anchor 111. The interlocking radial protrusion 1000 and recess 1001 secure the anchor 111 to the stem 113.

FIG. 11 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. Heat is applied with a torch 1100 to the impact tip 102 and/or the bolster 101 to melt the meltable spacer (shown in FIG. 9 a). In some embodiments, the heat may be applied through a direct flame, radiant heat, furnace, heating coil, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 12 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly 100 is attached to a drum 1200.

FIG. 13 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly 100 is attached to a cone crusher 1300.

FIG. 14 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly 100 is attached to a percussion bit 1400.

FIG. 15 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly 100 is attached to a shear bit 1500. FIG. 15 a shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100 which an assembly protruding beyond the face 5004 of the drill bit.

FIG. 16 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly 100 is attached to a roller cone 1600. The roller cone 1600 is shown degrading a formation 1610. FIG. 16 a discloses another embodiment of a roller cone. The gauge insert 1650 in this embodiment is a flat and adapted to reduce wear on the gauge row of the roller cone. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the inserts may be enhanced with a harder material such as polycrystalline diamond, cubic boron nitride, hard facing, carbide, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a method 900 for assembling a degradation assembly 100. The method 900 may include the steps of providing 901 the degradation assembly comprising an impact tip 102 brazed to a carbide bolster 101 with a stem 113 protruding from the bolster 101 being adapted to be retained within a bore 121 connected to a driving mechanism 125; securing 902 the stem 113 within the bore by inserting the stem 113 into the bore 121 such that a locking fixture disposed around the stem 113 permanently locks against a wall of the bore 122.

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a method 1000 for tightening a degradation assembly 100. The method 1000 may include the steps of providing 1001 a tightening assembly 140 adapted to apply tension between a structural element 101 and an anchor 111 and at least one meltable spacer 108 adapted to separate the structural element 101 and the anchor 111; anchoring 1002 the tightening assembly 140 into a bore 121 by pushing the assembly 100 into the bore 121 such that the anchor 111 firmly engages a wall of the bore 122; tightening 1003 the assembly 100 by heating the at least one meltable spacer 108 such that the at least one meltable spacer 108 melts, allowing the tightening assembly 140 to pull the structural element 101 closer to the anchor 111.

FIG. 19 discloses a structural element 2000 secured within a bore similar to how the stem is secured within the bore in FIG. 1. The bore 121 may be formed in a driving mechanism, a frame, a wall, a floor, a support, a vehicle, a bolster, table or combinations thereof. The structural element 2000 may be a component of the overall structure which is tightly secured to the bore 121.

FIG. 20 discloses the fastening mechanism 2600 connecting a chair leg 2500 to a chair seat 2501. FIG. 21 b discloses the fastening mechanism 2600 connecting a cabinet 2601 to a wall 2602. The fastening mechanism 2600 may be used to connect any structure to another, especially where the connection involves a blind hole. FIG. 21 a discloses two boards 5006 being held together with the fastening assembly 2600 through a blind hole 5005.

FIG. 22 discloses another embodiment of a fastening mechanism 2600. In this embodiment, the anchor comprises at least one slot 5007, which provides a radial spring force adapted to hold the anchor against the wall of the bore. In this embodiment, the springs are between the anchor and an insert.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A fastening method, comprising the steps of: providing a fastening assembly adapted to apply tension between a structural element and an anchor and at least one meltable spacer adapted to separate the structural element and the anchor; anchoring the fastening assembly into a bore by pushing the assembly into the bore such that the anchor firmly engages a wall of the bore; tightening the assembly by heating the at least one meltable spacer such that the at least one meltable spacer melts, allowing the tensioning assembly to pull the structural element closer to the anchor.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wall of the bore is substantially cylindrical.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the structural element is a bolster that supports an impact tip.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor is a nut.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a spring adapted to apply tension on the structural element and the anchor.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a stem in mechanical communication with both the anchor and the structural element.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the stem is interlocked with the structural element through a snap ring.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the stem is interlocked with the anchor through a threadform.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the stem is interlocked with the structural element through at least one catch.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the stem comprises a radial protrusion.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the anchor comprises a complimentary recess adapted to interlock with the radial protrusion.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one meltable spacer comprises a metal selected from a group comprising lead, bismuth, tin, cadmium, wax, plastic or combinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one meltable spacer is adapted to allow the structural element to move closer to the anchor when melted.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of tightening the assembly comprises applying heat to the meltable spacer through the impact tip.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor is rigidly attached to the bore through a press fit.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of tightening the assembly comprises tightening such that a tapered portion of the structural element seats against a portion of the bore.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one meltable spacer melts at a temperature lower than the anchor.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor is rigidly attached to the bore through a barb.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor is rigidly attached to the bore through a threadform.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of anchoring the fastening assembly into the bore comprises press-fitting the assembly into the bore. 